Switching specializations can be daunting, especially in a fast-moving field like computer science that demands new skill sets.
This is the challenge Akshay Choudhry faced when he transitioned from consulting to technical product management. When he made the decision to switch careers, it wasn’t just a leap of faith; it was the realization of a passion for technology and innovation.
While working as a business consultant focused on technology and digital transformation, Akshay developed a fascination with the role of Cloud computing in transforming the IT industry and startup ecosphere, a field dominated by veterans with decades of experience which requires deep technical expertise. To make up for his lack of formal education, he took a proactive approach to learning by collaborating with engineers and immersing himself in technical materials to build the skills needed for this new role.
Today, he is Principal Product Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he plays a critical role in improving the company’s cloud infrastructure and security, and has led major initiatives like launching products that make security accessible and simpler, and leading large scale migrations from outdated legacy environments.
Akshay’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Read on to discover the key lessons he has learned along the way.
How Akshay Developed A Passion For Cloud Computing
Akshay began his professional career as a data analyst at EXL, helping companies deploy ML models to make informed business decisions. He then moved to business consulting with a focus on technology and digital transformation at Deloitte, assisting large organizations in leveraging the latest technology, including robotics and cognitive automation, to streamline operations and support them on their digital transformation journeys.
After two years at Deloitte, Akshay was eager to expand his expertise, so he pursued an MBA at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. During his studies, he also interned at Hewlett-Packard, where he worked on a large-scale initiative to migrate the company’s IT systems to a public cloud network.
This project introduced him to the inner workings of cloud computing — an advanced, cost-effective approach to running large servers with flexibility to scale up or down. Unlike traditional systems, which require costly physical servers and lengthy installation processes, cloud computing relies on third-party servers to store and process user data. This not only eliminates the need for on-site infrastructure, but also allows businesses to increase their storage and computing power as their operations grow, all while reducing annual operational costs by up to 35%.
Fascinated by the potential of this technology, Akshay decided to pursue technical product roles where he could contribute directly to developing cloud-based solutions.
Shifting To A Product Management Role
Shortly after completing his MBA, Akshay joined AWS as a product manager for the team behind EC2 — one of Amazon’s flagship cloud services, which allows businesses to rent virtual servers and scale their computing resources on demand. This was a stark departure from his consulting roles, as he was now working with technical engineers to design solutions that connected customers’ cloud systems among themselves and to external networks such as partner platforms and third-party infrastructure.
This transition wasn’t easy. Unlike his colleagues, who had years of experience working with cloud systems, Akshay lacked a formal engineering background.
Determined to close this gap, he committed himself to an intense learning routine: arriving at the office early to prepare for meetings, staying late to review technical topics discussed during the day, and meticulously documenting team discussions to further reinforce his understanding. This hands-on approach not only helped him grasp complex concepts but also enabled him to contribute meaningfully to team projects.
Akshay’s efforts really began to pay off when he led his first major project launch for a feature that allowed AWS customers to insert firewalls into their internet traffic paths, which enabled them to detect and block malware before it entered the system. This feature was his first success in a technical role and was adopted by over 100,000 users within two years, earning this feature a mention in the CEO’s keynote speech at that year’s AWS re:Invent conference.
The success of this project gave Akshay a boost in confidence and encouraged him to continue pursuing this career path, showcasing the importance of adaptability and practical learning for progression in a new field.
Improving Operations At AWS
After three years at AWS, Akshay was promoted to Principal Product Manager. He has spent the past five years in this role leading large-scale projects that have greatly enhanced the company’s cloud networking and security measures.
A key example was when Akshay led the retirement of EC2 Classic, AWS’s original virtual machine platform. He oversaw the migration of its customers’ platforms to a more advanced system without disrupting their operations, a transition that was highlighted by Amazon’s CTO.
He also developed a follow-up to his original networking feature that made firewall insertion simpler. This advanced tool allows users to insert firewalls between different private networks, preventing malicious files from infiltrating other parts of their cloud infrastructure and further strengthening security for AWS customers.
Akshay has also documented many of his contributions through official patents, which focus on critical processes such as directing internet traffic without altering IP addresses and defining precise rules for moving data across different cloud environments.
Through these initiatives, Akshay has made cloud computing more streamlined and secure for millions of users, ensuring their data and operations remain safe and scalable.
Four Key Lessons From Akshay’s Career-Switching Approach
Akshay’s successful transition from business strategy to product management at AWS offers valuable insights for anyone looking to switch industries or break into a technical role.
Here are four key lessons from his approach:
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Akshay didn’t have a product background when he joined AWS, but he made up for it by working directly with engineers, studying technical materials, and taking on complex tasks. Staying curious and consistently building new skills when entering an unfamiliar role is invaluable.
- Identify Your Passion: Akshay’s pivot to cloud computing was inspired by its ability to deploy servers globally at the click of a button and manage their scale remotely. This curiosity pushed him to expand his skills and knowledge, showing how career transitions are more sustainable when they align with personal interests.
- Persevere Through Challenges: while Akshay’s first six months at AWS were difficult because of heavy workloads and a steep learning curve, he stayed focused and ended up leading successful and impactful projects. This is a testament to how persistence during the hardest stages of a career shift can lead to meaningful improvements and big opportunities.
- Leverage Your Background: Akshay’s background in business strategy gave him a unique perspective and the expertise to structure projects, prioritize goals, and align technical decisions with customer needs. His success highlights how important it is to take advantage of transferable skills during a complicated career transition.
A Blueprint For Navigating Career Shifts
By immersing himself in hands-on learning and combining his business strategy background with technical expertise, Akshay Choudhry successfully transitioned from consulting to a technical role at AWS, and has now led several impactful initiatives.
For those considering a similar shift, Akshay’s journey serves as a real-life example of how persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential to succeed and thrive in a new field.
As Akshay puts it himself: “the path may not be easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort.”